The Montreal Canadiens faced their toughest challenge yet as the Edmonton Oilers rolled into the Bell Centre, a venue known for its electric atmosphere. Despite demonstrating improved defensive play over their last five games, the Canadiens had to contend with the Oilers’ explosive scoring capabilities. The Oilers, boasting a roster filled with elite offensive talent, could easily rack up goals in any matchup.
This made the Canadiens’ 3-0 shutout victory an astounding highlight of their season. In what was undoubtedly their most polished performance to date, Montreal showcased their defensive strength and teamwork.
Wilde Horses
After a rough stretch where they allowed eight goals in two consecutive Tuesday matches, the mood around the Canadiens was understandably bleak. The team was not only embarrassed but also on the receiving end of harsh criticism, including doubts about the leadership of their head coach. Questions arose in the media regarding whether Martin St. Louis required additional support in his role.
Recognizing the need for a tighter game, St. Louis made adjustments to enhance their defensive structure. While the shift towards prioritizing defense has occasionally hampered the offense, this new approach will ultimately benefit the young defensive players as they develop over the long haul.
5:13
Call of the Wilde: Habs’ losing streak continues
The Oilers represented a formidable test, led by Connor McDavid, who had recently celebrated his milestone 1000th career point and was eager to spark his team amid their season struggles. Yet, he encountered a Montreal squad that was remarkably organized on the defensive end.
Nick Suzuki and his line, who have faced significant scrutiny this season for their underwhelming performances, have shown signs of improvement. Their expected goals share languished at a dismal 33 percent for October, but recently, they have seen that figure climb to at least 50 and even peak at 70 in one matchup.
But what about McDavid? Expectations loomed large that the Canadiens’ top line would be schooled in an NHL lesson, yet the opposite unfolded. Suzuki, flanked by Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach, achieved an impressive 88 share, marking a significant turnaround for a trio that had once battled ineffectiveness.
5:16
Call of the Wilde: Habs hemorrhaging goals
In the exhilarating third period, with the Canadiens ahead thanks to a well-placed goal from Brendan Gallagher, the Oilers desperately sought an equalizer. However, instead of retreating, the Canadiens intensified their offensive pressure and continued to attack.
Despite ongoing criticism regarding Suzuki’s performance this season, he currently stands with a respectable point-per-game average, and his defensive capabilities are starting to mirror last season’s form when his line ranked among the top 10 in the league for the latter half of the year.
Get daily National news
Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
Overall, the team has significantly improved their previous month’s 33 share, transforming it to a much healthier 50 expected goals share across their last five games, topped by an impressive 58 share against the Oilers. They are beginning to learn how to come together cohesively, evolving from a phase where their defensive assignments felt chaotic and disjointed.
More on Sports
More videos
Things are looking bright for this group as they gain invaluable experience, especially with the prospect of Patrik Laine rejoining the lineup soon, as reports indicate he is close to three weeks away from returning to action.
The initial two months of this season were considered by many to be the low point of the rebuilding process. However, recent developments suggest a turnaround might be on the horizon, and the team’s prospects are beginning to look more promising.
Wilde Goats
The second period marked what many are calling the best period the Canadiens have played this season. In the third, they maintained an aggressive mindset against the Oilers, extending their lead with a goal from Kaiden Guhle alongside Jake Evans sealing it with an empty-netter.
5:53
Call of the Wilde: the Habs in a slump
Wilde Cards
As the Canadiens enter the third year of their rebuilding phase, it seems they have effectively addressed most of their needs, leaving only the goaltending position as a focal point moving forward. Solutions for both net and defense appear to be within reach, waiting in their ranks.
Jacob Fowler is emerging as a standout goalie prospect who, at just 19, is towering over his competition at Boston College. Though it may still take two to three years before he could contend for a spot on the Canadiens roster, the club has confidence in their eventual answer in goal.
On the blue line, there are discussions surrounding the absence of a true number one defenseman. While they may not have a Cale Makar type, the Canadiens do possess a competitive top four that could potentially rise to the occasion. The pairings of Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher alongside Kaiden Guhle and Logan Mailloux suggest a strong future in defense as they mature and gain experience.
The goal for the forwards remains clear: establishing a powerful top six brimming with scoring potential. The first line is already showing they can compete at an elite NHL level. In the latter half of last season, Suzuki’s line with Slafkovsky and Caufield managed to net 53 goals, making it one of the top five scoring units in the league.
The current challenge lies in identifying three additional forwards to solidify the top six. ESPN ranks Ivan Demidov as a premier prospect outside of the NHL, making him the top choice for the second line. Kirb Dach, Alex Newhook, and possibly Laine are competing for the other winger spot, indicating the wings are in good shape.
However, the Canadiens are still on the lookout for a franchise-caliber center who can match or exceed Suzuki’s talent. Identifying a dominant first-line center is crucial for championship success, given its ability to significantly impact both ends of the ice, as exemplified by recent stars like Alex Barkov and Jack Eichel.
Montreal must secure that 100-point star or a player who can dominate shot shares through exceptional play. Currently, no such player exists within the organization. This void remains the most significant challenge in their rebuilding efforts, and finding a solution is paramount for a successful transition out of the rebuild phase.
It will indeed be a daunting task to find such a player, potentially through the draft. Although winning a trade or landing a free agent could present a radical solution, history suggests that the draft may offer the most probable avenue to acquire that final piece of the puzzle.
There is hope that Michael Hage could fit the bill; however, bearing in mind his 21st draft position, it poses a 50-50 chance to make an impact in the league and an even slimmer possibility to develop into a star. Owen Beck has gotten off to a strong start in the AHL, notching points consistently while remaining solid defensively. Yet, doubts linger regarding his offensive upside, making it a tall order for him to take on the star role. Both of these options might appeal only to the most hopeful among fans.
After all the sacrifices made, the Canadiens must avoid slipping back into mediocrity. Without propelling themselves forward more significantly than their current trajectory, that unfortunate fate seems likely.
One last upper-echelon target remains on the horizon.
Brian Wilde, a Montreal-based sports writer, brings you Call of the Wilde on globalnews.ca after each Canadiens game.
What role does an elite-level center play in the success of a hockey team like the Canadiens?
Key component in any successful hockey team. Without that elite-level center, the Canadiens may struggle to fully realize their potential as a playoff contender.
As they navigate their rebuilding phase, the Canadiens have shown flashes of brilliance that hint at a bright future. The improvements in team cohesion and individual performances, especially from Suzuki’s line, signal that growth is occurring. With Patrik Laine’s anticipated return and the emergence of young talents like Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach, there is a sense of optimism within the franchise.
The challenges ahead are significant, but the Canadiens appear to be on the right path. With goaltending prospects like Jacob Fowler and a promising defensive core featuring Hutson, Reinbacher, Guhle, and Mailloux, the team is laying the groundwork for long-term success. The focus now shifts to strengthening the top six forwards and finding that cornerstone center to lead the attack. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and whether the Canadiens can turn their current momentum into sustained success.